Please note:  This information has been provided by the Waltham Forest Parent Partnership Service

All children are different and learn in their own ways. Your child may find it harder to learn than others of the same age, or may have a disability that makes it difficult to take a full part in school, pre-school or nursery life. If so, he or she may have a special educational need and as a result will need some extra help.

How do I know if my child has special educational needs?

Your child may have one of the following:·

  • an emotional or behavioural difficulty
  • a difficulty with seeing, hearing or communicating
  • a physical difficulty
  • a medical or health condition
  • a difficulty with reading, writing or maths
  • a delay in development

These are just examples; your child may have more general or other difficulties. Your child is not alone in having special needs. Many children have a difficulty of one sort or another at different times in their education.

What should I do if my child is under 5?

If your child has not yet started school, there are a number of people and services that can help:

  • your health visitor, doctor, social worker or educational psychologist
  • pre-school or nursery group – available to help your child develop through a full learning programme

Do not delay, your child's early years are very important. Asking for help is the first step in getting specialist advice.

What should I do if I am worried about my child's progress?

Your first step is to talk to the school or early years setting. Ask them what they think and tell them your concerns. Its best to start with your child's teacher, key worker or tutor. Sometimes that will be enough to put your mind at rest. To make sure there is enough time to discuss any problems it may be necessary to request a meeting. You may wish to ask:

  • Does the setting (i.e. school, nursery, pre-school or playgroup) think my child is having any difficulties?
  • Is my child at the same level as other children of his/her own age?
  • Is my child already getting extra help? If so, what sort of help is being offered.
  • If after discussions have taken place you are happy - that's fine. If not, you may wish to ask to speak to the SENCO
  • If you don't understand what is being said – don't be afraid to ask questions.

Don't forget to share information.

  • Say when you first noticed the difficulty and if it is getting worse
  • Say if you have mentioned it to anyone before
  • Say if anyone else in the family has similar difficulties
  • Say how your child feels
  • Say how your child is at home
  • Are you doing anything to help at home?
  • Don't forget if there are problems at home it could be affecting your child. It may help the school to know if a death or divorce or some other upset has affected your child.

Remember

  • You know your child better than anyone. Have confidence in yourself and be ready to share information.
  • The teacher or pre-school leader sees your child in a different setting and has knowledge and experience that can be shared with you.
  • Your encouragement and praise for your child is very important.
  • Children pick up feelings from how their parents and teachers talk about them. Working together is important.
  • Listen to what your child says – it helps them to think carefully and feel that people take notice of what they say.
  • There are groups set up to help parents - Parent Partnership can put you in touch.
  • Being informed and involved will help. Read leaflets, books and watch TV programmes about special educational needs.

Contact us

SEN Team
1st Floor, Wood Street Health Centre
Linford Road
London E17 3LA

Tel: 020 8496 6503/6505
Email senteam@walthamforest.gov.uk